My dear friend Isabel died on Saturday. She was a member of IODE when I joined here in Owen Sound nearly 20 years ago. Our late husbands knew each other when both lived in Tara.

When we last spoke she said she had a good time with her family over Christmas and told me how many were there. I can visualize her being feted as matriarch. Her room at Central Place had photos and memorabilia of her long life.

She was generous with her time and talents, still knitting vests for pneumonic children in the third world, even though she lost her sight to macular degeneration. Other residents would assist her with finishing the garments when she could no longer see enough to sew.

We had many good times with the Wiarton IODE members, after the local chapter was disbanded some three years ago. Each time we went to a lunch meeting, the trunk was full of knitted garments, some knitted by others she had coerced. As services officer for Owen Sound IODE she coordinated all the knitting donations. I can remember visiting her in her house where the dining room table was piled high with hat, scarf and mitt sets, carefully matched, counted and ready for shipping. Her work with Red Cross locally would see her smiling face behind a sale table at a church function. As we were both former Girl Guide leaders, we also shared experiences of our younger days.

She had a warm and friendly personality; uncomplaining despite adversities and I will miss her
Rest now, Isabel, you have done your bit.